Boy falls through ceiling and dies

Kyle Graces classmates pinned farewell letters written to him on the board.

An Edgemead Primary School pupil died after falling eight metres through the school hall’s ceiling.

Grade 6 pupil Kyle Grace reportedly accessed a staircase behind the stage and found his way into the ceiling from where he fell. The junior choir was practising in the hall at the time, led by a senior teacher in the foundation phase. The tragedy occurred at 2.25pm.

Jessica Shelver, spokeswoman for Education MEC Debbie Schäfer, said the school had called paramedics, who declared Kyle dead at the scene.

“A full team from our district office left for the school immediately, including counsellors and psychologists. The incident has traumatised all concerned.

“Four school counsellors from a neighbouring school joined two district psychologists to provide counselling support.

“This is an unspeakably tragic loss of such a young life. Our heartfelt condolences to Kyle’s family at this very difficult time,” she said.

Captain Cornelius Franken, of the Bothasig police, confirmed an inquest had been opened into Kyle’s death and police were investigating.

Edgemead Primary School re-
ferred Tabletalk’s request for comment to the Western Cape Education Department.

On Monday May 29 a spokesperson for the Western Cape Education Department said they were investigating the incident.

The Tabletalk (formerly The Tabletalk and Mail) was established in 1987. This long established popular community title includes the key shopping centres Canal Walk and Bayside Centre within its distribution area.